Were you a member of our Forum on http://TransplantBuddies.com ?

Yes

Where did you hear about Transplant Friends?

Hostess Rise at Transplant Buddies

Are You Male or Female?

Female

Share - which illness lead up to you needing a transplant?

Type 1 diabetic for 35 years.

Which Organ(s) did you receive? If you are on the waiting list, please share.

kidney/pancreas

Drugs, vitamins, favorite foods

Prednisone, Tacro, CellCept, Metoprolol, Clonidine, Fludrocortisone, Lasix, Bactrim, Amlodipine, Insulin. Vitamin D, Aspirin.

My favorite food...Italian.

How many years have you had your Transplant for?

8 years

I am Interested in Transplant Friends because...

I believe you learn so much from other people that are in the same situation

Which Transplant Center has or will perform your life saving surgery?

Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, NY

Share how your transplant experience changed your life?

I was very very sick after my transplant and was in the hospital for almost 4 months. 3 1/2 of those months was spent in Intensive Care on a ventlator in a drug induced coma. Survivng that has helped me see that every moment is a bonus and life is GREAT! The love and support that I received while I was sick was astounding.

Share whatever information you want us to know about you

I have been very hesitant to share my story with other transplant (or future transplant) people because of how sick I was. I'm not able to tell a nice story about waking up and feeling great and how fast the recovery was. I felt fine for 24 hours and then ended up in ICU. I had several setbacks while I was in Intensive Care and the pancreas I received eventually rejected and was removed. The kidney I received is working very well. My post transplant life is great. I work full time and enjoy life to the fullest. I have a wonderful husband that I love dearly. I'm so glad I am able to live life without dialysis. The grace of God saw me through my illness and I vow to never take anything for granted.

Share your interests and hobbies

I like reading, cooking,listening to the blues and motorcycle riding (I am the passenger, not the driver).